Why Audiences Love Dr. Allison Fleetwood

Dr. Allison Fleetwood’s impact goes far beyond the stage- she sparks transformation. After hearing her speak, students feel empowered to embrace their voice, educators reconnect with their passion for teaching, and arts communities unite with renewed purpose and creativity. 

What makes Dr. Allison Fleetwood’s message so powerful?

Joy

She is a person of vision and has built a world-class theatre program. The size of our small community has never limited her dream and ability to take our students to the highest level of achievement. Dr. Fleetwood collaborates with community members to provide new experiences for students and our community.

-Dr. Lori Elliott

Teacher, Professional Development Speaker

Authenticity

Dr. Fleetwood has a divine gift for finding misfits cast out by “in-crowds,” dusting them off through encouragement, cultivating their artistic gifts, teaching them to work alongside those from whom they are different, and show them that they are valuable and worthy of love. 

-Mr. Jon Spence

Former Student and Colleague

Growth

She is a firm believer in creating a school and classroom culture that fosters creativity, diverse ideas, and acceptance.  Students are encouraged to lead their own lives and make a difference in others. She provides students tools to develop their own voice. Plus, she has a keen sense of detecting and calling out the strengths of others so that they can grow as individuals. 

-Dr. Kevin Kopp

Assistant Superintendent, Nixa Public Schools

Headshot of Dr. Allison Fleetwood, theater teacher, professional development, creative teaching strategies, arts intregration

Dr. Allison Fleetwood is an award-winning educator, director, and performer with over 20 years of classroom and educational leadership experience. Holding a Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership and Instruction, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Theatre Education she currently serves as Department Head for one of Missouri’s most renowned theatre departments, where she teaches courses including Drama, Acting, Dual Credit Theatre, Advanced Acting, and Dance. She also serves as Head of Operations for an acclaimed regional theatre, where she manages national productions and developed a unique program, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, shadow professionals, and work directly with touring productions. Dr. Fleetwood is a leader in the Arts Integration Initiative, which provides professional development strategies for innovative arts incorporation for all grade levels.

Dr. Fleetwood has been recognized for excellence in education as the 2025 Theatre Teacher of the Year for Missouri, recipient of the 2024 Arts Council Excellence in Arts Education award, and a 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist. Dr. Fleetwood is a passionate advocate for all students as a leader in her field. In 2023 she served to address crucial challenges in public education as Missouri’s representative on the U.S. Department of Education Regional Advisory Committee under Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona.

Dr. Allison Fleetwood By the Numbers

20+

Years inspiring students through theatre and education

57

Musicals directed with casts of all sizes and ages

7,776

Hours spent in rehearsal

15

Award-Winning Readers Theatre Productions recognized regionally and statewide

2,400+

Students Taught

200+

Alumni Working in the Arts as performers, educators, and creative professionals

17

Student Teachers Mentored & Inspired now shaping classrooms of their own

60+

Professional Productions Managed as Head of Operations at a regional theatre

50+

Conference Sessions Presented nationwide on theatre, creativity, and leadership

Countless

Standing Ovations from students, educators, and audiences